In This Issue
Six days to go until Cultivating Retail
The Flowerbowl Story - Guy Topping, Barton Grange Group
Planet, People, Profit – three Ps of sustainability
Deco-Pak’s Craig Hall remembers Greenfingers on his wedding day
Best Family Business Award for Hillmount Ards
Christmas sales race ahead of last year
HTA says £30k salary threshold for overseas workers will inhibit expansion for growers
Netherlands auction house to enforce sustainability standards
FUNdraising dinner honours amazing Greenfingers supporters
Your chance to meet wholesalers and distributors from Sweden, Switzerland and Iceland
Added-value plants will vie for honours at IPM Essen 2020
Vintage year for award-winning Cornish garden
Spring Fair makes it easier to source quality overseas products
Bradford garden centre's half term charity planting event raised almost £300
Langlands gets all Pudsey for Children in Need
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Christmas houseplants get off to a great start
New Plant Tagging System
High volume garden products drive sales
Go far with a tree production travel scholarship
More peat-free growing media in the Top 10
Best half term week for Christmas ever!
Garden Press Event stand space selling out fast
The best of last week's
Notcutts Chairman Nicky Dulieu is stepping down
New Botanica Houseplant department at Sunshine Garden Centre
AMES UK's approach to decorative planters opens up appeal top wider market
John Hinde's new company brings unique German home and leisure range to UK
Squire's rolls out brand and image refresh across group's 15 centres
Garden Centre Photo Tours
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers
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Email neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk, or trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call the GTN News team on 01733 775700






Six days to go until Cultivating Retail

 

Time is running out to book your place at this year’s Cultivating Retail event, taking place on Tuesday 19 November 2019 at East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham...


Time is running out to book your place at this year’s Cultivating Retail event, taking place on Tuesday 19 November 2019 at East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham.

 

Shoppers, government, media and employees are demanding more from businesses on sustainability. No business, in horticulture especially, can afford to be caught behind the curve. This conference sets out the threats and opportunities the industry will face in the coming years and aims to provide answers and examples you can apply to your business. For senior leaders and managers aiming to increase the financial and environmental performance of their businesses, it is a must-attend event.

 

Hosted by broadcaster Daisy McAndrew speakers include Sir Terry Leahy, former Tesco’s CEO, Graham Corfield, Chief Operating Officer at Just Eat, Dr David Bek, from Coventry University, and Olympic legend Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards as our after-dinner speaker. The programme also includes sessions from Guy Topping, Barton Grange Group and David Denny, HTA Futures and Sustainability Manager.

 

Hot seat sessions in the afternoon of the conference will cover topics such as biosecurity, growing media and peat, plastics, chemicals, labour, water and energy. Speakers for these sessions include Alistair Yeomans, Steve Harper, James Mallick, Stuart Foster, Adam Speed, Kevin Barefoot and Ben Wilby.

 

Boyd Douglas-Davies, HTA President and CEO of Hillview Garden Centres, said of the event, “This year’s conference focuses on the sustainability of the industry in the widest sense. By bringing together the supply chain this event gives us a fantastic opportunity to look at what we need to be doing now to ensure that we have a robust, viable and relevant industry fit for the future. You really can’t afford to miss this one!”

 

A milestone event in the horticulture calendar Cultivating Retail provides a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders and peers.

 

Visit www.hta.org.uk/cultivatingretail for further programme information and to book your place.

 
The Flowerbowl Story - Guy Topping, Barton Grange Group

Guy Topping, Managing Director of the Barton Grange Group, will share with conference delegates what he's learned from turning a vision into a reality that's contributing to the environment, quality of life and the financial bottom line...


What do you get when you cross a leading destination garden centre, a new leisure shopping centre, and a green roof on which sheep will one day graze?

 

The answer - The Flower bowl - a leisure destination that taps into consumer demand for eco-friendly, quality leisure shopping.

 

Guy Topping, Managing Director of the Barton Grange Group, will share with delegates what he's learned from turning the vision into a reality that's contributing to the environment, quality of life and the financial bottom line.

 

Guy will talk through the development from the birth of this new recreational concept to the challenges of delivery and lessons learnt.

Planet, People, Profit – three Ps of sustainability

These are the 'Three Ps' of sustainability in business that Dr David Bek from Coventry University will discuss in conversation with Boyd Douglas-Davies...


These are the 'Three Ps' of sustainability in business that Dr David Bek from Coventry University will discuss in conversation with Boyd Douglas-Davies.

 

He'll look at how balancing these 'Ps' can create a business model that provides value to all stakeholders in a modern enterprise. As one of the UK's leading researchers, David's got a huge insight into how horticulture across the world is responding to the sustainability challenge.

Members are able to attend dedicated sessions for growers, retailers and landscapers. Members can join a live webinar if they are unable to attend - which will allow them to ask questions. The webinars will also be available afterwards (free for members ad chargeable for non-members).
Plant Passport webinars for HTA Members

HTA members unable to attend one of the Plant Passport seminars which are taking place on Thursday this week in Oxfordshire, are invited to participate in the webinars covering the new plant passporting regulations which come in to force on the 14 December 2019. The webinars are uniquely tailored to specific sectors:

09.30 to 11.30 - Retailers, multiples and online sellers

12.00 to 14.00 - Landscapers, professional gardeners and garden designers

14.30 to 16.30 - Growers, plant traders and producers

The sessions will run for a maximum of 2 hours and will consist of a half hour presentation followed by a Q&A session.  To register your interest in a webinar, please email events@hta.org.uk to receive a link to participate in the online presentation. Non-members can request a link to the recording of these sessions at a cost of £50.

Deco-Pak’s Craig Hall remembers Greenfingers on his wedding day

 

It was a case of “something borrowed, something green” for Deco-Pak’s Craig Hall at his recent wedding as he and his new wife, Debbie, raised over £1,200 for Greenfingers Charity thanks to generous donations from guests and families....


 

It was a case of “something borrowed, something green” for Deco-Pak’s Craig Hall at his recent wedding as he and his new wife, Debbie, raised over £1,200 for Greenfingers Charity thanks to generous donations from guests and families.

 

At the couple’s October wedding the traditional gifts and cards were replaced with donations to Greenfingers charity, with guests taking up the mantle enthusiastically to far exceed the original £500 fundraising target. 

 

As a long-term Greenfingers Ambassador, Craig, Marketing Director at decorative aggregate specialists Deco-Pak, has played a pivotal part in raising funds for the charity. From special product promotions, as well as participating in fundraising activities and events including Garden Re-Leaf Day, Craig has already helped to raise thousands of pounds for the charity.

 

Speaking about his decision to honour Greenfingers on their big day, Craig said; “Like many people we are lucky enough to already have all the bits and pieces that make a home, and therefore wanted to channel the generosity of our friends and families into a cause that we knew would benefit from the funds much more than we ever would do. We had a truly amazing wedding day, celebrating with our loved ones, and we can't say thank you enough to everyone that donated. It was massively appreciated, and it really added that special something to the day. Greenfingers is such a worthwhile cause and a charity our family business is passionate about, so it felt only natural to include it in such an occasion”

 

Such was the generosity of the wedding guests that the wedding made the top 5% of JustGiving fundraisers in October, out of a total of 47,000.  You can still donate and add your good wishes to Craig and Debbie by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/craiganddebbie

 

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers Charity thanked the Hall family for their support; “The charity would like to extend a special thanks to Craig and Debbie for including us as part of their wedding.  The money raised will make a real difference to life limited children in hospices and is only made possible by the support and generosity of so many of our industry friends.”

 

Linda added: “Greenfingers is frequently asked about how people can fundraise or donate, and the charity is always trying to come up with new and unique ways to offer people. We hope that others might be inspired by Craig and Debbie’s wonderful fundraising spirit and remember Greenfingers during times of celebration.”

 

Greenfingers fundraising ideas – give the gift of Christmas

With Christmas fast approaching, why not ask friends and families to donate to Greenfingers in lieu of cards and presents?  Or if your business wants to do its bit for the planet and not send physical Christmas cards, why not turn to Greenfingers? The charity can design a special e-card in-house in return for a small donation.

 

And don’t forget you can also donate to Greenfingers through Amazon Smile. The Amazon Smile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to Greenfingers.  You can do this by visiting https://smile.amazon.co.uk to register and then select Greenfingers Charity as your charitable organisation.

 

Find out more

To find out more about Greenfingers Charity, and how to get involved in a range of fundraising events please email Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

 

You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

 
Best Family Business Award for Hillmount Ards

Garden lifestyle centre, Hillmount Ards, has been awarded 'Best Family Business' by Ards Chamber of Trade at the recent Ards Business Awards...


 

Garden lifestyle centre, Hillmount Ards, has been awarded 'Best Family Business' by Ards Chamber of Trade at the recent Ards Business Awards.

 

The third garden centre in the portfolio owned by the Mercer family, who have an almost 80 year history in gardening, opened its doors in late 2017, on the site of the former Thriving Life Church at an investment of £1,000,000 and with the creation of 25 new jobs.

Robin Mercer, Hillmount Ards, said: "We are immensely proud to have been awarded 'Best Family Business' by Ards Chamber of Trade. From I married my
wife Edith more than 40 years ago I promised her one day that we'd open a garden centre in her hometown so when the opportunity to buy the building and create Hillmount Ards came along there was really only one decision to be made.

"The building has such a beautiful perspective and Hillmount Ards has bloomed with an amazing team helping us. Being named Best Family Business is the perfect award for us as we are committed to investing in the local area and to providing employment to local people, as well as providing the community in Ards the same great value, great choice and welcoming service that our loyal customers enjoy at our sister garden centres in Bangor and Castlereagh."

The Mercer family breathed new life into the building to develop Hillmount Ards with a wide variety of plants, trees and shrubs, as well as offering a range of exquisite gifts, an extensive range of ladieswear, garden furniture and accessories. Diners in the first floor restaurant, The Gardener's Rest, can relax and enjoy views across north down from the unique feature window.

 

Hillmount Ards hosts a free to attend kids gardening club on the first Saturday of each month, the popular Ladies Shopping Night returns just before Christmas on Friday 13 December and Santa will be in residence at Hillmount Ards throughout December. There is no need to book to visit Santa and for more information on Grotto opening times and prices, visit: https://www.hillmount.co.uk/christmasatards

Christmas sales race ahead of last year

 

Christmas races ahead of last year, Bottle lights continue to be a No 1 Bestseller and Peat Free Growing Media continues to sell to serious gardeners like never before. These are the headlines from the GTN Bestsellers EPOS data analysis this week.


 

Christmas races ahead of last year, Bottle lights continue to be a No 1 Bestseller and Peat Free Growing Media continues to sell to serious gardeners like never before. These are the headlines from the GTN Bestsellers EPOS data analysis this week.

 

After the second autumn half term week, any regional half term variations are taken out of the equation and we can safely say that Christmas volume sales are up on last year by 10% so far this season.

 

In garden products, Bottle Lights from Creative Products continue to provide a welcome boost to sales volumes, selling 3 times the volume of the No 2 bestseller and outselling any single Christmas light line.

 

And in growing media two peat free products are now in the Top 10 of our growing media chart.  If the serious gardeners buying these lines get great results they will be back to buy more next spring and influence others to buy too.

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 44

  • Garden Products Top 50 – up 38%
  • Growing Media Top 50 – up 7%
  • Wild Bird Care Top 50 – down 18%
  • Christmas Top 50 – up 29%
  • All Plants index – up 4%
  • All Items index - up 13%

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

HTA says £30k salary threshold for overseas workers will inhibit expansion for growers

 

Growers are concerned that proposals around future foreign labour requirements will hinder the expansion of the ornamental horticulture sector...


Growers are concerned that proposals around future foreign labour requirements will hinder the expansion of the ornamental horticulture sector.

 

HTA has responded to the call from the Migratory Advisory Committee (MAC) for evidence on Salary Threshold and Points-Based System Commission. The MAC proposed that a £30,000 salary threshold is maintained for full time workers coming to work in the UK from abroad. The adoption of an Australian style points-based system would see applicants scored on factors such as education levels and language skills.

 

HTA says £30,000 is too high and will prohibit many skilled and experienced workers from joining the UK horticultural workforce and has called for the MAC to review the Shortage Occupation List, as horticulture is not currently included as an exemption. Supervisory and technical roles are the hardest to fill in the area of plant production, so a wider approach is needed to get work experience and acquired knowledge recognised alongside any formal qualifications.

 

 

The recently published 2019 Ornamental Horticulture Skills Survey* says the sector is facing a critical skills challenge, with the difficulty of finding staff with the right skills and qualifications the most commonly reported issue.  It says the proposals in their current form are likely to exacerbate the situation further.

 

HTA is highlighting the industry’s desire to expand, particularly in the area of import substitution, but cites lack of access to labour is seen as a barrier requiring Government help.

 

Martin Emmett, chair of the HTA Ornamentals Committee said: “Labour shortages of both seasonal and full-time workers are a key concern for the horticulture industry, particularly at a time when there is a need and desire for expansion. Access to a skilled and experienced labour force is critical and this is why the proposed salary threshold needs to be lowered so that knowledgeable and skilled workers from abroad can continue to contribute to UK horticulture.”

 

He adds, “The ornamental horticulture sector makes a significant contribution to the UK economy with ornamental plants worth £1.35 billion produced and sold in the UK during 2017. Importantly, it also contributes to the environment, helping to mitigate the causes of climate change. The growth of the sector is dependent on having a sufficient workforce to allow for its expansion to enable these wider benefits to be fully realised.”

Netherlands auction house to enforce sustainability standards

Growers supplying plants and flowers to Royal FloraHolland auctions will need to demonstrate phased environmental registration and certification by the end of 2021.,,

 

 

 


Growers supplying plants and flowers to Royal FloraHolland’s auctions will need to demonstrate phased environmental registration and certification by the end of 2021.

 

The organisation, which handles more than 100,000 transactions a day through its digital and physical auctions (Aalsmeer, Naaldwijk, Rijnsburg and Eelde) says suppliers will need to be be in possession of a market-compliant environmental certificate – a sustainability milestone for the sector.

 

The management board’s decision followed a recommendation from the members’ council. CEO Steven van Schilfgaarde said: “Sustainability is one of the pillars of Royal FloraHolland's strategy. It offers our members opportunities to strengthen their competitive position and helps to make our marketplace and sector future-proof. The market demands transparency in relation to production and operations.”

 

 

The mandatory environmental certificate will be introduced gradually. The first step is digital environmental registration for all marketplace suppliers by 31 December 2020 at the latest. After 31 December 2021, having a market-compliant environmental certificate will be compulsory for all suppliers. The third, long-term step will be to ensure that growers meet all established Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI) standards, but no enforcement date has yet been set.

 

The members’ council recommendation that extra attention should be paid to the environmental registration and certification of international members was accepted by the management board.

 

Growers who have not yet registered digitally and are not yet certified will get help through an ‘onboarding’ programme.

FUNdraising dinner honours amazing Greenfingers supporters

Friends and supporters of Greenfingers Charity gathered for another night of celebrations and vital fundraising at the charity’s annual FUNdraising dinner...

 

 


Read more and see GTN Xtras photo gallery from the event

Friends and supporters of Greenfingers Charity came together for another night of celebrations and vital fundraising at the charity’s annual FUNdraising dinner.

 

Hosted at the prestigious RAF Club in the heart of London’s Mayfair, the event saw 100 friends and supporters of Greenfingers dig deep to help raise more than £18,000 during the evening.

 

The evening was supported by the charity’s patrons, actors Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton (below, left and right), who led festivities that included a fiercely fought auction as well a touch of Downton Abbey.  Highclere Castle Gin, a Downton Abbey goody bag and a special Downton Abbey themed game of ‘heads or tails’ put guests’ knowledge of the award-winning film to the test.

 

 

During the evening, a number of Greenfingers supporters were awarded special trophies for their support:.  See photos in the GTN Xtra gallery below.

  • PR Ambassador John Clowes who helped raise over £20,000 from his articles in The People’s Friend magazine.
  • GIMA’s Vicky Nuttall, Kimberley Hornby of Hornby Whitefoot PR and Glee’s Matthew Mein (left to right above, holding their trophies), who earlier this year completed their 100th Garden Re-Leaf Day mile while raising thousands of pounds for the charity.
  • Richard Pyrah, president of GIMA, whose support saw more than £20,000 raised by members through its  wing walkers, the annual GIMA Charity Day, the GIMA Awards and more.

The team at Kew Green Hotels were also celebrated, having completed endless challenges and events for Greenfingers, including the unstoppable Helen Barker who has now run more than 1,000 miles for the charity, 52 of them in the Sahara as part of a gruelling double marathon. The Kew Green team presented a cheque for an incredible £350,000 to the charity, representing money raised by hotel teams across the country since the charity partnership began in 2016.

 

 

During the evening, The Horticultural Golf Society also presented a cheque for £8,000, raised at their annual golf day. 

 

Greenfingers chairman John Ashley thanked the patrons, for helping to make the evening a joyous and memorable occasion, Vitax for sponsoring the Champagne reception and all who donated auction and raffle prizes.  “Our annual dinner isn’t just about raising money, but it is also an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the amazing work that our wonderful supporters undertake to help Greenfingers create stunning garden spaces at hospices throughout the UK…We cannot thank our friends enough for choosing Greenfingers as the horticultural industry’s favourite charity,” he said.

 

Linda Petrons, Greenfingers’ director of fundraising & communications, said: “We never get over the fact that so many individuals and brands take the time to support Greenfingers, whether by giving their time, digging deep into their pockets or taking on massive personal challenges. Every penny we receive is put to very good use, and I can assure you that the life-limited children who call a hospice ‘home’, as well as their families and friends, appreciate every precious moment these gardens help to create.

Your chance to meet wholesalers and distributors from Sweden, Switzerland and Iceland

 

Gardenex and PetQuip are holding the latest in their successful ‘Meet the Buyers’ events at their offices in Brasted, Kent, at the end of this month...


 

Gardenex and PetQuip are holding the latest in their successful ‘Meet the Buyers’ events at their offices in Brasted, Kent, at the end of this month.

 

British suppliers can apply to have one-to-one appointments with the buyers, each 25 minutes long, to discuss opportunities in these garden, leisure and pet industries.

 

The garden buyers include a Swiss wholesaler/distributor of garden products, an Icelandic wholesaler and owner of the only stand-alone garden centre in the country, and a Swedish importer/distributor of garden products, which also has a web-shop.

 

The Swiss wholesaler operates five garden centres in the Basel, Bern and Zurich areas and a shop in Bern city centre, which specialises in urban gardening. The company has its own nursery and a 25,000m² exhibition garden, which is open to the public, where it grows and tests flower, vegetable and herb seed and bulbs. As well as two web-shops, its wholesale department supplies garden centres and other retail outlets across Switzerland, as well as major retail groups.

 

The company already distributes a couple of UK brands following attendance at a previous Meet the Buyers event. Two buyers are attending, with a view to sourcing innovative garden products to complement their existing range. In particular they are looking for sustainable and eco-friendly products and anything in the theme of wild birds and nature.

 

The Icelandic wholesaler and garden centre owner is focused on gardening equipment, indoor and outdoor plants, tools, gift articles and home accessories. There is also an online shop and wholesale business supplying retail shops, growers, landscape contractors and municipal authorities around Iceland.

 

The buyer is particularly looking for larger garden suppliers able to offer a broad range of items.

 

The Swedish importer/distributor is looking to extend its garden product offer as well as expanding into pets.

 

The company specialises in HDPP mesh fencing for outdoor use and also acts as importer/distributor representing several UK and one Italian supplier of practical garden products. It supplies 400 garden centres across Sweden, including chains. In addition, it operates a small web-shop to supply the full range of products direct to consumers where local retail outlet may only sell a limited selection. It is a regular exhibitor at the Elmia Garden Trade Fair in Jönköping, Sweden.

 

This buyer is looking for new, practical gardening equipment to complement its existing range. In particular it would like to source suppliers who are not already represented on the Scandinavian market.

 

Gardenex and PetQuip have been holding ‘Meet the Buyers’ events over many years. They have been successful in generating new, often long-term export business in new markets for many members and potential members.

 

This event on Thursday November 28 is a great opportunity for a 25-minute conversation with an international buyer – in the UK – who will have been provided a link to your website and an outline of your product areas in advance of the visit. Some buyers will be very selective about the companies they will see, so if chosen you can be assured of genuine interest.

 

If you are interested in participating and would like further details and an application form please contact lydia@gardenex.com as soon as possible.

Added-value plants will vie for honours at IPM Essen 2020

The Show Your Colours Awards for the best shrubs and perennials will be presented for the fifth time during IPM 2020 at Essen in Germany in January...


The Show Your Colours Awards for the best added-value shrubs and perennials will be presented for the fifth time during IPM 2020 at Essen in Germany (28-31 January).

 

All IPM exhibitors with woody plants and perennials can submit plants or plant concepts for this award. The Award is organised by Messe Essen in cooperation with BIZZ Communications.

 

 

Show Your Colours 2020 is all about the added value of the plant, which is expressed in the story behind it. Both plants and plant concepts can be submitted.

 

A sole plant on the shelves may not always be enough to tempt a consumer to buy. A garden plant can be very pretty by itself, but that is not always the case. With added value in the shape of a label, nice pot, well-thought-out concept, or simply by providing more information about the plant, a plant can generate additional attention. These days, companies make good use of this by giving their plant this ‘something extra’. The Show Your Colours Award was introduced to motivate the fair’s participants to put their added-value products in the spotlight.

 

Participation is free of charge. Exhibitors are requested to enter their plant and/or concept via the digital registration form by 20 December 2019. The professional jury will nominate 10 plants from all those submitted and the shortlisted plants will be exhibited in Hall 8 during the fair. Visitors can vote for their favourite plant.

 

Judging takes place on Thursday 30 January, with the result announced on the BIZZ Holland stand (A40) in Hall 8 at 3.00 pm.

Vintage year for award-winning Cornish garden

Following a vintage award-winning year in 2019, visitors to Cornwall’s Caerhays Castle next year will be able to explore the magical 140-acre English Heritage Grade II Listed woodland gardens and enjoy its impressive National Magnolia Collection, made up of more than 600 varieties.

 


Following a vintage award-winning year in 2019, visitors to Cornwall’s Caerhays Castle next year will be able to explore the magical 140-acre English Heritage Grade II Listed woodland gardens and enjoy its impressive National Magnolia Collection, made up of more than 600 varieties.

 

 

In 2019 Caerhays’ owner and magnolia expert, Charles Williams, was awarded the Jim Gardiner Magnolia Cup by The Royal Horticultural Society and the gardens have been awarded Outstanding Garden status for its magnolias by the Rhododendron, Magnolia and Camellia Group.

 

The gardens, on the south coast of Cornwall, also swept the board at awards shows in 2019, winning a string of trophies.

 

In 2018, the owner of Caerhays, Charles Williams (who also owns and runs Burncoose Nurseries, one of the biggest plant mail order companies in the UK) was received The Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH), awarded to British horticulturists whom the Royal Horticultural Society Council considers deserving of special honour by the society. The garden, which were named Garden of The Year’ in 2016 by the Historic Houses Association & Christies, attracts visitors from all over the world.

 

The new shop at Caerhays includes a larger plant sales area and a selection of garden structures from Harrod Horticulture. It also sells new home and lifestyle products, gardening accessories and gifts.

Spring Fair makes it easier to source quality overseas products

Spring Fair is set to launch a new international sourcing sector to help buyers explore suppliers from beyond the UK without travelling...

 


Spring Fair is set to launch a new international sourcing sector to help buyers explore suppliers from beyond the UK without travelling...

 

The new sector, which had a successful first outing at Autumn Fair 2019 following investment from organisers Hyve Group, will give buyers the opportunity to explore markets outside of the UK and make connections with the best manufacturers from key sourcing regions around the world.

 

The global retail sourcing and procurement market is expected to grow by nearly 12% in the period up to 2024.

 

 

The showcase will welcome manufacturers of gifting, cookware, home furnishings, textiles, toys, private label goods and white label products from a number of key markets, including China, India, Egypt, South Korea and Ghana. They will have the opportunity to exhibit their portfolios to buyers from across the UK’s £378bn retail market.

 

Exhibitors showcasing their merchandise in Spring Fair’s Sourcing sector will offer only the best and most on-trend products from around the globe. Exhibitors include authentic supplier of Egyptian handicrafts Yadawee, Korean leather goods importer Yeunwoo, manufacturer of African musical instruments manufacturer Delata Ghana and the Indian Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts.

 

Sourcing, based in Hall 18, will also look to inspire visitors with an exciting roster of experts lined-up to speak at the hall’s dedicated Design and Sourcing Stage. Speakers will give insight-led talks on how visitors can get one-step ahead of market rivals in 2020 and beyond. Amongst them will be Colour Hive, Spring & Autumn Fair’s official colour and trend partner who will lend audiences their expertise on the in-trend colours, textures and products for the 24 months ahead.

 

Charlie Cracknell, portfolio director at Spring & Autumn Fair said: “Offering consumers good quality products at the right price is the basis for success in retail and with this new sourcing offering we’re hoping to help retailers explore new ways of delivering on this principle. It’s also an easier, cheaper and more effective sourcing platform for visitors by cutting out the hassle of travelling overseas, and a way to meet the UK and European retail market for manufacturers and suppliers.

 

“The UK retail sector is growing. The average annual growth in online retail sales is up to 17%. In order to manage and maintain this growth, retailers need to be able to look further afield to make the best deals and build the strongest sourcing relationships. For those retailers who are still to embrace the opportunities that sourcing has to offer – whether it be on price or range and quality of products – we want to make it as easy as possible for them to engage with by bringing the world to their doorstep.”

 

Spring Fair runs from the 2 – 6 February at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre. Register to attend for free here

 

 

 

 

Bradford garden centre's half term charity planting event raised almost £300

The team at Tong Garden Centre is celebrating after its half term bulb planting event, Little Daffodils, raised £289 for charity...


 

The team at Tong Garden Centre is celebrating after its half term bulb planting event, Little Daffodils, raised £289 for charity.

 

The garden centre teamed up with Taylors Bulbs to host the family friendly daffodil planting sessions to raise money for the horticultural charity, Greenfingers that creates gardens in hospices for children with life limiting illnesses.

 

Tong's Head of Marketing, Jo Dales was overwhelmed with the success of the pop-up planting sessions: "We love to encourage children to enjoy growing and gardening and it was fabulous to see over 250 children and their families planting the daffodil bulbs. We're looking forward to seeing pictures of their blooms in spring."

 

A spokesman from Taylors Bulbs said that, although the bulb planting was intended to be a one-off event to celebrate their centenary year, it was so successful that they are looking at the possibility of making it an annual event.

 

Tong Garden Centre was one of 150 garden centres nationwide who supported the fundraising initiative.

 

Photo: L-R Michael Green, Jen Keeligan and Joe Appleyard.

Langlands gets all Pudsey for Children in Need

DSC_5332.jpg

Pudsey, the Children in Need mascot, joined James Ducker Managing Director at Langlands Garden Centre and local children at Burgess Ice Cream’s factory...


DSC_5422.jpg

It was a ‘cream come true’ for locals this half term when Pudsey Bear paid a visit to a Market Weighton ice cream factory.

 

The Children in Need mascot joined James Ducker Managing Director at Langlands Garden Centre and local children at Burgess Ice Cream’s factory on Tuesday 29th October, where they were shown how to make ice cream. The visit kick-started 2019’s Children in Need fundraising by Langlands with the aim of raising £5,000 for Pudsey, who are collaborating with Burgess Ice Cream to create a limited-edition ice

cream. 50p from each tub Pudsey’s Dream ice cream sales will be donated to the 2019 Children in Need appeal.

 

After donning hair nets and lab coats, Pudsey and the children headed into the factory where they were shown how ice cream is made by Burgess general manager Richard Wilson, and each had a turn mixing the new product.

 

Eve Wilson was one of the children involved. She said, “I can’t believe I made ice cream with Pudsey Bear! It was so exciting, and I can’t wait to try the ice cream.”

 

James Ducker from Langlands Garden Centre added, “Our staff are aiming to raise £5,000 for Children in Need this year through a whole host of different activities. The charity ice cream is the first one, and the visit from Pudsey was a great way to get the fundraising off the ground. Everyone did a fantastic job and whilst I think we have some superb future ice cream makers on our hands, Pudsey Bear might be better sticking to his day job!”.

 

Pudsey’s Dream ice cream will be on sale at Langlands Garden Centres in Shiptonthorpe, Leeds and Sheffield from Saturday 9 November. 50p from every tub sold will be donated to Children in Need.

 

Rotarians visit Langlands

 

On Sunday 26th November Langlands hosted a Breakfast for Weighton Wolds Rotary Club and their international guest from Vue Lyon Rotary Club and Stockholm Strand Rotary Club. Weighton Wolds is one the of the newest Rotary Clubs in the Country and is a forward looking Club.

 

James Ducker said “It was fantastic of my Father in Law to host Breakfast at our Shiptonthorpe Garden Centre, It was lovely for me to talk to the Guest from Lyon and Stockholm and after having recently attending the amazing UK congress with my wife Rebecca, it was interesting to talk to the Rotary Guest about the IGCA and Garden Centre’s in their countries. The UK Congress that Tammy Woodhouse organised was phenomenal, everyone said we would get the Congress bug and we did. Rebecca and I have booked the 2020 South Africa Congress and contact wait to see the Garden Centre’s in South African.

 

Rotarians from Weighton Wolds Rotary Club including founder members Robert Ducker - Langlands Chairman, Chris Clubley, Shiela Clubley, Kay Stephenson, Janet Ducker -Langlands Financial Director, Geoff Stephenson and Chris Stephenson. Along with Guest from the visiting Rotary

 

 
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Christmas houseplants get off to a great start

Christmas houseplants started to sell through in volume last week with Poinsettia coming back into the GTN Top 50 at No 14, albeit that last year they started selling through one week earlier but in smaller volumes...


Christmas houseplants started to sell through in volume last week with Poinsettia coming back into the GTN Top 50 at No 14, albeit that last year they started selling through one week earlier but in smaller volumes.

  • Schlumbergera, Christmas Cactus, jumped 20 places to No 23.
  • Azalea sales jumped by 300% to re-enter at No 47.
  • Out in the planteria Primula sales increased by 17% to outsell Violas for the first time this autumn.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

 
New Plant Tagging System

A novel solution to secure tagging and labelling has been developed by Devon based Bluepoint Tags and Labels. This combines security, legislation and provides marketing options...


A novel solution to secure tagging and labelling has been developed by Devon based Bluepoint Tags and Labels. This combines security, legislation and provides marketing options.

 

By listening and working closely with their customers, Bluepoint have developed this product to ensure secure tagging and labelling of plants and accessories.

 

Expanded Options

Adding to their established range of traditional tags and labels, these new tags offer a significant shift in the way tags are used within Garden Centres and Nurseries. They are presented in reel format, narrow edge leading, very similar to self ties and also provide expanded options in the way the tags can be utilised.

 

Plant Passport Deadline

Using a label with a tamper evident adhesive section makes the tag impossible to remove from one plant and replace on another. It also gives the product added versatility for use as Plant Passports with then deadline for new regulations due on December 14th.

 

Eliminates 'Loss' Element

Bluepoint’s Sales Manager James Ampstead commented  “We have listened to our customers who have said that label tampering is on the rise and it doesn’t take many higher value items to go through the tills to affect the bottom line”.

 

“The innovative new concept that Bluepoint has come up with, not only eliminates the ‘loss’ element completely but the fully adjustable loop gives far greater flexibility for what the tags can be used for.”

 

Telephone:  +44 (0) 1392 927 030.  Email:  sales@bluepointtags.co.uk

 

Website:  www.bluepointtags.co.uk

 
High volume garden products drive sales

High volume sales of the Top 5 Bestselling Garden Products, which accounted for 43% of the Top 50’s volume, continue to drive sales in this sector up year on year...


High volume sales of the Top 5 Bestselling Garden Products, which accounted for 43% of the Top 50’s volume, continue to drive sales in this sector up year on year. 

  • Edleman’s Monet Pot Round 15.5cm is a brand-new chart entry at No 2.
  • Smart Garden’s Meanagerie Garden Deco Bobbly Bird is the highest re-entry at No 9.
  • Fito’s Cacti Drip Feeder climbed most places up the chart to No 12.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

 
Go far with a tree production travel scholarship

A chance of a lifetime for a travel scholarship awaits a student who is passionate about tree production, as part of the David Colegrave Foundation Scholarship Season...


A chance of a lifetime for a travel scholarship awaits a student who is passionate about tree production, as part of the David Colegrave Foundation Scholarship Season.

 

Majestic Trees, a leading tree nursery specialising in the production of mature trees, is offering up to £3,000 to fund a placement abroad at a tree nursery to learn about tree production. This also includes the enviable opportunity for a work placement at Majestic Trees, four time UK Grower Awards Nursery Stock Grower of the Year and 2018 Employer of the Year.

 

A student who has completed or is completing their studies in commercial horticulture and has a passion for trees should apply. Students that have previously worked on a tree nursery or studied courses more closely linked to tree production are especially encouraged.

 

Franziska Goeckeritz, a BSc Horticulture student at Scotland's Rural College enjoyed a placement with Majestic Trees after applying for a scholarship with DCF.

 

Franziska was humbled to have been offered the opportunity to learn more about large scale nursery management and commercial tree production. She told us: "I had a fantastic time at Majestic Trees in the summer. On site, they put a lot of effort into showing me all areas of production to give me a good idea what a large-scale working tree nursery is like. My time at Majestic Trees has helped to boost my confidence and allowed me to gain even more skills, especially pruning. I particularly enjoyed learning more pruning techniques from an experienced and very talented pruner. I very much benefited from being around so many people with a lot of horticultural knowledge and experience. Majestic Trees is an incredible company to work for.”

 

Applying for the Majestic Trees Travel Scholarship is a must for horticulture students excited by the opportunity to work with Majestic Trees and other leading tree nurseries.

 

Steve McCurdy who owns Majestic Trees with his wife Janet, adds: "This travel scholarship is a wonderful, career enhancing opportunity for a paid placement at a quality tree nursery. We have contacts with the best nurseries throughout the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Germany, Holland, France, Canada, the USA and Italy. It will not only be a life changing experience, but an experience where a student will learn and be stretched.”

 

The David Colegrave Foundation Scholarship Season is open now until 31 January 2020.

 

Applications are already coming in from the likes of The University of the Highlands and Islands - Argyll College UHI, The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise - Greenmount campus, Harper Adams University, Walworth School of Horticulture, Eden Project Learning, Nottingham Trent University, Myerscough College, Pershore College and Broomfield Derby College.

 

More colleges are encouraged to get on board and get their horticulture students applying.

 

To apply visit www.davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk

 
More peat-free growing media in the Top 10

Having asked if this was a tipping point for peat free growing media last week, this week another peat free line joins New Horizon Compost in the Top 10....


Having asked if this was a tipping point for peat free growing media last week, this week another peat free line joins New Horizon Compost in the Top 10. 

 

Bloomin Amazing Soil Enricher, 70 litres, moves up to No 10.  That is now the first time we’ve seen two peat free growing media products in the Top 10, ever. 

 

Provided the keen gardeners buying them get good results they will be back to buy more next year and they will be telling others about their peat free achievements.

  • Westland The Gardener's Soil Conditioner, 50 litres, is the highest re-entry of the week at No 20.
  • Evergreen Garden Care Levington John Innes No3, 25 litres, is the highest climber up the GTN Bestsellers Chart.
  • Evergreen Garden Care Levington Organic Choice Farmyard Manure, 56 litres, moves up 2 places to be the No 2 bestseller of the week.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

 
Best half term week for Christmas ever!

Christmas is 10% up year on year!  Now that both weeks of half term holidays have been and gone any regional half term changes have worked themselves out of our analysis.  And last week we saw the highest Christmas sales volumes for the second week of half term ever...


Christmas is 10% up year on year!  Now that both weeks of half term holidays have been and gone any regional half term changes have worked themselves out of our analysis.  And last week we saw the highest Christmas sales volumes for the second week of half term ever.

  • Smart Garden Kings & Queens 20 LED Sparkly Snowman is the highest new entry at No 6.  Their LED sparkly Santa’s are also a new entry at No 10
  • Lindt’s Chocolate Snowflake is a new entry at No 14.
  • Bon Bons Christmas Hot Chocolate Spoon is another sweet tooth new entry at No 18.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

 
Garden Press Event stand space selling out fast

With prime space at the popular Garden Press Event 2020 80% booked, potential exhibitors are being urged to move quickly to secure the remaining positions...


With prime space at the popular Garden Press Event 2020 80% booked, potential exhibitors are being urged to move quickly to secure the remaining positions.

 

Jointly owned by the HTA and GIMA, the event provides businesses across the garden industry  an unrivalled opportunity to get in front of key gardening media and  is perfectly timed to launch the industry into the gardening season by showcasing new products, themes and campaigns to more than 300 writers, broadcasters and bloggers looking for new content.

 

The event’s New Product Awards, voted for by attendees, are a great launch pad and also raise funds for the Greenfingers Charity. If you have a story to tell or a product to promote, then this is the place to be to get your message across.

 

Confirmed exhibitors to date include suppliers, growers, retailers, gardens, events, charities and more. To see who’s already signed up to exhibit visit the Garden Press Event website.

 

GIMA and HTA members receive 20% off the published exhibitor rates. Limited introductory offers are available for first time exhibitors.

 

To book a space, click here to send an email  or visit the website where media visitors can also register in advance.

 
The best of last week's

If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...


 
Notcutts Chairman Nicky Dulieu is stepping down

Notcutts Group Ltd announced that their Chairman, Nicky Dulieu is leaving the business at the end of February 2020...


Notcutts Group Ltd has announced that their Chairman, Nicky Dulieu is leaving the business at the end of February 2020.

 

Nicky commented “I am immensely proud of everything the business has achieved since I joined back in October 2014, and I have been honoured to lead such a talented Board.  The business is in great shape with a newly refreshed brand, a new website, most centres redeveloped and a real focus on customer service and horticulture expertise.

 

“I am now looking to spend more time with my family and in my own garden as well as taking on two new non-executive roles, one with Marshalls Motor Holdings, and the other with a FTSE 250 company.”

 

Vice Chairman Caroline Notcutt, who is leading the search for a new Chairman to replace Nicky, commented “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Nicky to develop a strong Board, insightful family ownership, and in developing a clear and exciting strategy for the business.

 

“On behalf of all our colleagues and family I would like to thank Nicky for her caring and inspired leadership and commitment to our business over the last 5 years.”

 
New Botanica Houseplant department at Sunshine Garden Centre

Sunshine Garden Centre launch Botanica, their new houseplant department...


Sunshine Garden Centre launch Botanica, their new houseplant department. 

 

General Manager Eoin Keane says “We had seen the upward curve in houseplants for the past two years, so investing in updating the layout, fixtures and fittings was a decision made easy.  Sunshine Garden Centre which will be 30 years old next year has been built on the back of a reputation for excellent plants and a premium customer service experience so any investment in either of those two pillars of the business will always pay off.

 

Our customers and the Sunshine team love the new look, on the weekends the buzz in Botanica is electric.  The idea to brand our houseplant department came from the success of our Spring/Summer pop up cacti and succulent shop called Urban Spike.  Botanica has its own exciting new ranges of houseplants and pot covers which are being very well received, we’re selling everything from the tiny terrarium plants to the very large specimen pieces and the whole lot in between!

 

We now know our customers now want more houseplants than ever before and we always look to keep our customers happy!  Botanica enables us to do so in a fun way that everyone’s enjoying.

 

Follow on Instagram: Botanica@sunshinegardencentre

 
AMES UK's approach to decorative planters opens up appeal top wider market

As the market for patio gardening and especially pots and planters continues to expand, and with Generation X now embracing the gardening category, AMES UK has plans to help you capitalise on this fast-growing segment...

 


The market for patio gardening and especially pots and planters continues to expand, and with Generation X now embracing the gardening category it’s expected to remain a fast-growing segment of the market.

 

Ceramic, zinc, resin and terracotta pots are beautiful and feature strongly in impressive displays in most centres. But they’re also prone to damage, are very sensitive to extremes of weather and tend to be very heavy and difficult to move - as well as requiring consumers to make a not insignificant investment. This can mean they’re a much less attractive choice for younger consumers with less experience, and they can be intimidating for more seasoned gardeners who may be concerned about lifting and moving them.

 

The Plant Avenue brand of pots and planters from AMES UK is different and has been developed to widen the appeal of decorative containers by overcoming the challenges whilst retaining all the benefits of traditional pots. The new range includes a wide variety of colours, shapes and styles, mirroring the traditional ranges, but with a whole lot more appeal, especially for nervous, older or less experienced gardeners. The pots are much lighter in weight and easy to handle, but when planted up it’s almost impossible to distinguish them from conventional pots made from metal or ceramic.

 

The Plant Avenue range is equally convenient for retailers, being arranged in four individually themed collections and supplied on especially designed merchandising stands. It’s also conveniently ordered and delivered as part of the wider AMES UK range so it can contribute to order values together with Kelkay ranges of aggregates, paving and water features as well as Woodshaw lines.

 

The Plant Avenue collections represent just a fraction of the potential in this category, which AMES has developed extensively worldwide. So, there is much more opportunity to come in the shape of exciting colours, designs, shapes and sizes all of which are sourced from AMES exclusive partner manufacturers which ensures a smooth supply chain and unrivalled innovation.

 

Plant Avenue went down extremely well at Glee last month with retailers commenting on the fresh approach and the immediate consumer appeal. Initial orders are already exceeding all expectations and Kelkay are planning further in-season promotional activity too.

 
John Hinde's new company brings unique German home and leisure range to UK

Ginique is a new company started by John Hinde when he left his role as sales manager for Kadai after seven years - and one of its first offerings is a brilliantly original range of home and outdoor leisure products from the unique German company Höfats...


Ginique is a new company started by John Hinde when he left his role as sales manager for Kadai after seven years.

 

“I needed a new challenge and was finding it difficult to search out a niche that appealed to me, so I bit the bullet and set up my own business,” he said. “I then spent time looking around for products that I felt would fit well into the garden and leisure industry, a sector which I love. Höfats was the first range that made me say ‘Wow!’ All the products are designed in house, all have a design twist, are made from high quality materials and all environmentally focused. Not only that they appeal to all age groups. I judge a product by whether or not I would want it at home and I can honestly say I would have them all.”

 

Like the mountain it’s named after, Höfats Gmbh is unique and on the up. The company is led by its co-founders and best friends, Christian and Thomas, both graduates in design and engineering at Berlin University.

 

“When I first saw the offices in Germany I felt immediately at home,” John recalls. “The laid back nature of everyone in the office, the casual office attire, tree trunks for stools in the meeting room, a communal dining table where everyone takes it in turns to cook and create meals, they have the same ethos as Apple. They make products for people who care and products that people fall in love with. The company is in touch with the environment, all the packaging and products are recyclable. The team are very young and dynamic with great ideas and ethics, which can be seen in every product design and every packaging box, the attention to detail is fantastic.

 

 

 “What makes it all so special? The clever ideas, the finish, the packaging, for me it’s all the factors coming together to give you a great product and a great customer experience. The products are great to open, build quality is exceptional and the ideas are sublime and make you want more.”

 

Design really shows through and you can see why Höfats have won so many awards; there is innovation and just that little bit something different from the norm. The range, although currently small, is growing steadily.

 

Höfats offers high quality products, using the very best materials, they are well thought through, beautifully packaged and come with wonderful marketing support. The products suit all age groups and are ideal for gardens, camping, caravans, campervans, beach parties…to name just a few.

 
Squire's rolls out brand and image refresh across group's 15 centres

London brand and design consultancy Perq Studio has completed a brand and signage refresh for family-owned Squire’s Garden Centres. Badshot Lea, Frensham and Wokingham are the first sites to sport the new look...

 


London brand and design consultancy Perq Studio has completed a brand and signage refresh for family-owned Squire’s Garden Centres. Badshot Lea, Frensham and Wokingham are the first sites to sport the new look.

 

The project, currently under way across the company’s 15 sites, consists of a refreshed brand strategy and identity including new logo, typeface, colour palette and art direction as well as an improved way-finding experience and communications across the customer journey in-store.

 

From humble beginnings as a family landscape gardening business in the 1930s to a modern day horticulturally-focused retail group, Squire’s has evolved to meet the needs of the UK home and garden market. With multiple extensions to the core garden product including gifts, crafts, specialist pets and aquatics, as well as stylish Café Bars, Squire’s centres are widely regarded as retail destinations in their own right, with excellent brand recognition within the communities they serve.

 

Customer insights gleaned by Perq Studio showed that while customers were loyal to Squire’s, many were unaware of the unique heritage of the family-owned company and the rich history that underpinned the existing brand. Sold on the potential behind amplifying the family focus, Squire’s contracted Perq Studio to finesse its brand and story and optimise the stores through a consistent, modern brand refresh.

 

During interviews with the Squire family, the phrase “modern garden centres with a tradition of excellence” was uncovered. Perq Studio felt this perfectly encompassed the brand story – one of family and traditional horticulture but also a modern retail experience enjoyed by all generations of other families. This informed the wider brand refresh which focused on the authenticity of the company’s long history of expertise, local ties and the emotional and meaningful connections made with its customers.

 

Informed by the brand pillars of ‘expert, welcoming and inspiring’ the updated tone of voice makes a commitment to effective communication; providing the right information at the right point in the customer journey. A new simplified logo ‘with an ownable Q’ was developed and the new typeface – classic British 1930s font Gill Sans Nova – is a nod to Squire’s date of origin, but is also timeless and legible, feeling at once storied yet contemporary.

 

The primary brand colour was updated from a traditional burgundy to a vibrant berry hue and complemented with a fresh, seasonal colour palette that promises a bright, positive and optimistic retail experience. Existing standard plant-related imagery was replaced with new innovative photography, developed to not only include the wider products on offer, but happy people and moments of interaction to better reflect the customer experience.

 

Through a brand immersion and discovery process, Perq Studio identified each store had evolved organically over time, nurtured by the personal touches of their trusted and knowledgeable staff, yet resulting in some inconsistencies in the customer experience – especially challenges to way-finding throughout the stores.

 

Perq Studio worked closely with Squire’s to streamline its mixed approach to signage and unify the customer way-finding experience. A customer journey audit identified key signage touchpoints to deliver on brand impact and ease of navigation; from striking branded entrances down to the smallest ticketing touchpoints. The result was a professional yet approachable in-store experience, creating the feel of a modern retailer staffed by trusted, friendly experts.

 

Laura Giffard, founder and client director at Perq Studio, said: “It’s so rewarding to see our two-year collaboration with Squire’s Garden Centres taking shape.  As a creative agency, it’s always exciting to assist a heritage brand with a contemporary vision position itself strategically for continued success. Bringing the family history and brand heritage to the fore in a modern way, driving meaningful connections with customers through a balance of contemporary retail experience and personal tone of voice, enables the quality of the brand and its products to shine through.”

 

Martin Breddy, MD of Squire’s Garden Centres, says: “One of our favourite things about working with Perq Studio is that they have taken the time to understand not just our current market position, but the value of our heritage. The materials they have produced have given all our locations a shared identity, and the opportunity to re-affirm to our customers that their trust in us as a reliable provider of quality products is well placed.”

 
 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts...


Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.

 

The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2017 as well as 2018 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

 

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here


Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this week are here

 

Highlights of the GTN Christmas Products chart for this week are here

 

WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers.  Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.

 

Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters for only £145.00.

GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.

Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.

For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.

Buy your subscription today and start receiving the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.